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A Study in Southern Soldier Portrait Photography

Sixth plate ambrotype by an unidentified photographer. David Wynn Vaughan Collection.
Sixth plate ambrotype by an unidentified photographer. David Wynn Vaughan Collection.

This Southern soldier gazes directly at the camera, the almost perfect symmetry of his figure interrupted only by material items. In one hand he grasps the wood handle of a spear-point, D-guard Bowie knife, possibly of local manufacture. A Colt Root Model 1855 revolver is tucked into his double-billet belt, to which is connected the sheath for the knife. He sports a low-crowned hat with upturned brim, and frock coat with chest pocket and buttons obscured by gold gilding. Subtle tinting completes this portrait of an early war Confederate. This image came out of a South Carolina estate.

—Contributing: Phil Spaugy and Ron Maness


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